I-Corps: Biosensor Based on Chemically Woven Hydrogel

该项目基于NSF先前广泛支持的生物传感机制开发新的诊断和毒素检测产品。传感器中包含的生物传感机制是基于富含蛋白质的化学编织水凝胶，广泛适用于水性毒素。该项目将专注于将基础科学转化为实用技术，这些技术由多个市场的机遇驱动和定义，包括疾病诊断、医生办公室实验室、研究设施、农业管理、兽药、食品加工和质量控制、过敏原管理、家庭保健和疗养院/长期护理设施。由于传统的生物传感器依赖于蛋白质(抗原和抗体)之间的缔合结合，本项目开发了基于蛋白质结合伙伴的解离和置换的传感器。这一根本区别和上述新知识，除了提高当前传感器技术的质量外，还将在概念层面上加强科学和技术，从而可能改变传感器开发的研究格局。传感器技术有可能造福社会的许多阶层，包括快速检测传染病，准确和快速地评估饮用水质量，以及为应急反应和抗击其他威胁做好准备。还将探索这种技术为个人保健带来的新生和新兴市场机会。

This project develops new diagnostic and toxin detection products based on biosensing mechanisms developed by extensive previous NSF support. The bio-sensing mechanisms incorporated in the sensors are based on protein-laden chemically woven hydrogels and are broadly applicable to aqueous borne toxins. The project will focus on transforming fundamental science into practical technologies that are driven and defined by the opportunities in multiple markets including disease diagnostics, physician office laboratories, research facilities, agriculture management, veterinary medicine, food processing and quality control, allergen management, home health care, and nursing homes / long term care facilities. As conventional biosensors rely on the associative binding between proteins (antigens and antibodies), this project develops sensors based on the dissociation and displacement of protein binding partners. This fundamental difference, and the new knowledge mentioned above, will enhance science and technology at the conceptual level in addition to improving the quality of current sensor technology, and thus likely change the landscape of research in sensor development. The sensor technology has the potential to benefit many segments of society, including rapid detection of infectious diseases, accurate and fast assessment of drinking water quality, and preparedness for emergency response and combating other threats. Nascent and emerging market opportunities enabled by this technology for personal health care will also be explored.